Compare the2026 Chevrolet ColoradoVS 2025 Ford Maverick

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Colorado’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the front seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The Maverick doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard Automatic Emergency Braking/Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, the Chevrolet Colorado is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Ford Maverick, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Colorado	Maverick
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	-24 MPH	-18 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	-20 MPH	-11 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	-22 MPH	-13 MPH
37 MPH Brights	-18 MPH	-8 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	1.8 sec	1.5 sec
37 MPH Low beams	-15 MPH	-3 MPH
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.8 sec	1.3 sec

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Chevrolet Colorado achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Ford Maverick has not been tested.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Colorado has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Ford charges extra for Cross-Traffic Alert on the Maverick and the Maverick’s Cross-Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Compared to metal, the Colorado’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Ford Maverick has a metal gas tank.

Both the Colorado and the Maverick have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Chevrolet Colorado weighs 579 to 1347 pounds more than the Ford Maverick. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Colorado is safer than the Ford Maverick:

	Colorado	Maverick
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	34.9%	51%
Neck Stress	178 lbs.	184 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	39/149 lbs.	154/237 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Colorado is safer than the Ford Maverick:

	Colorado	Maverick
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	174
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	57 G’s
Hip Force	285 lbs.	971 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	251	255
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	35 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Chevrolet Colorado is safer than the Maverick:

	Colorado	Maverick
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	55	146
Neck Tension	178 lbs.	357 lbs.
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.63 in	.67 in
Torso Max Deflection	.79 in	1.1 in
Pelvis	GOOD	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	647 lbs.	1272 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	136	295
Neck Tension	22 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.02 in	2.2 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	580 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.71 in	1.81 in
Torso Deflection Rate	3 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	424 lbs.	848 lbs.

Warranty

The Colorado’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Maverick’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Colorado has a standard 170-amp alternator (220-amp - Colorado optional). The Maverick’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated below average.

Engine

The Colorado’s standard 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 119 more horsepower (310 vs. 191) than the Maverick’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Colorado’s 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 60 more horsepower (310 vs. 250) and 150 lbs.-ft. more torque (430 vs. 280) than the Maverick’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Chevrolet Colorado is faster than the Ford Maverick 4 cyl. hybrid gas:

	Colorado	Maverick
Zero to 30 MPH	2.6 sec	3.4 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.9 sec	8.3 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.4 sec	4.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.3 sec	16.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94 MPH	89 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Colorado’s fuel efficiency. The Maverick doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Colorado uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Maverick requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Colorado has 7.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Maverick Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (21.4 vs. 13.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Colorado has 4.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost’s standard fuel tank (21.4 vs. 16.5 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Colorado’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Maverick:

	Colorado	Maverick	Maverick Lobo
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	12.8 inches	13 inches
Rear Rotors	13.3 inches	11.9 inches	11.9 inches

The Colorado stops much shorter than the Maverick:

	Colorado	Maverick
70 to 0 MPH	186 feet	188 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	121 feet	137 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Colorado has larger standard tires than the Maverick (255/65R17 vs. 225/65R17). The Colorado ZR2 Bison’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Maverick (315/70R17 vs. 235/65R17).

The Colorado Trail Boss’ optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Maverick’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Colorado Trail Boss offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Maverick’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Chevrolet Colorado’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford Maverick only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Colorado has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Maverick doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Colorado’s wheelbase is 10.3 inches longer than on the Maverick (131.4 inches vs. 121.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Colorado is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Maverick.

The Colorado’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56% to 44%) than the Maverick’s (58.8% to 41.2%). This gives the Colorado more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Colorado has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Maverick Lobo (7.9 vs. 7.4 inches), allowing the Colorado to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Colorado ZR2 Bison’s minimum ground clearance is 3.1 inches higher than on the Maverick Tremor (12.2 vs. 9.1 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Colorado uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Maverick doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Colorado has .1 inches more front headroom, 2.4 inches more front legroom, .1 inches more front shoulder room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Maverick.

Cargo Capacity

The Colorado has a much larger cargo box than the Maverick shortbed (41.9 vs. 33.3 cubic feet).

The Colorado’s cargo box is larger than the Maverick’s in every dimension:

	Colorado	Maverick
Length (short/long)	61.7”	54.4”
Max Width	58.8”	53.3”
Min Width	45.5”	42.6”
Height	21.1”	20.3”

The Chevrolet Colorado offers an optional EZ-Lift and Lower, which prevents the heavy tailgate from falling with a crash and causing injury. It allows adults and children to easily open and close the tailgate with one hand to better facilitate loading and unloading. The Ford Maverick doesn’t offer a tailgate assist.

The Chevrolet Colorado has a standard CornerStep, which allows for much easier access to the cargo area. The Ford Maverick doesn’t offer a rear cargo step.

The Colorado has stake post holes, to allow the containment of tall, light loads. The Maverick doesn’t offer stake post holes.

Payload and Towing

The Colorado’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Maverick’s (7700 vs. 2000 pounds).

The Colorado has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Maverick:

	Colorado	Maverick
Crew Cab	1710 lbs.	1500 lbs.
Crew Cab 4x4	1700 lbs.	1500 lbs.

The Colorado has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Maverick (1710 vs. 1500 lbs.).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Colorado is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Maverick. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Colorado (except WT/Trail Boss/LT), the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Maverick doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Colorado (except WT/LT/Trail Boss)’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Maverick doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Colorado’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Maverick does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Colorado’s standard front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Maverick’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.

On a hot day the Colorado’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Maverick can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Colorado has a standard Push Button Start that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Maverick XLT/Lariat/Lobo/Tremor offers Intelligent Access.

The Colorado has standard power remote mirrors. The Maverick XL doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Colorado’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Maverick and aren’t offered on the Maverick XL.

The Colorado LT/Z71/ZR2’s standard rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Maverick doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Colorado (except WT/LT/Trail Boss) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Maverick doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Both the Colorado and the Maverick offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Colorado has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Maverick doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Chevrolet Colorado’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Maverick.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Colorado second among midsize pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Maverick isn’t in the top three.

Motor Trend selected the Colorado as their 2024 Truck of the Year. The Maverick has never been chosen.

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